Cabinets-To Restore, Reface or Replace?

When it comes to updating your kitchen, one of the biggest changes you can make is modernizing your cabinets.  Before commencing with demolition, it’s worth taking a step back and considering what you’d like to do with your cabinets because replacing if they’re outdated, isn’t your sole option.  In this blog, we’ll take a look at the possibility of resurfacing, replacing and restoring kitchen cabinets so that you have the information necessary to make the correct choice for your home.

Restore

The best candidates for cabinet restoration are those who are pleased with their cabinet’s current hue, characteristics and placement, but know that their cabinets definitely looked better when they were new.  Things that can detract from your cabinets’ original appearance include cooking grease, weathered stain, broken hardware, scratches, etc.  Restoration is a multi-step solution that can be done multiple ways.  If a deep cleaning is all that is required, special oils and cleaners can be used to bring back the cabinet’s original brilliance.  In a more severe situation, doors and drawers may be removed, sanded and a new top coat may be applied.  The pricing will be dependent on far you choose to take the restoration.

Reface

Refacing is a great option for property owners that want to give their cabinets a new look, but don’t want to lose the use of their kitchen during the process.  It’s also a popular choice for those who are putting their home on the market.  During the refacing process, your cabinet & drawer doors are replaced with high end doors.  The sides are upgraded with veneers.  Veneering is a specialized process best done by a professional and if installed correctly, there is very little risk that the veneer will peel off.  The process from start to finish usually takes no more than 4 days.  Cabinet refacing is less costly than new cabinets and can be used in tandem with upgraded hardware to give your kitchen a whole new look.  Because the “guts” of your cabinet remain the same, the amount of storage space you have in your kitchen is not affected by the refacing of your cabinets.  Your kitchen is not a good candidate for refacing if your current cabinets are under extreme duress.

Replacing

If you want to completely change the look and feel of your kitchen, new cabinets might be just the way to go.  Utilizing this option allows you to customize the style, design and amount of storage space in your kitchen.  New cabinets are a long-term investment that will be enjoyed for years to come; be sure to carefully consider the type of wood, warranty, manufacturer, finish, etc.  It’s recommended that you work with a professional on your new kitchen cabinets because the kitchen is often one of the biggest selling points of a home and the cabinets are something that you want to get right on the first attempt.  Cabinetry professionals are oftentimes able to utilize computer software that shows you what the final product will look like in your kitchen and makes recommendations on the type of material to use based on your habits, tastes and requirements.